Valentine’s Day Word Finding Cues

January 24, 2018

This has been a cold, snowy winter in the Midwest, and all sorts of erratic weather on both coasts. We’re all ready to party! It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Your word finders will be better able to join in the fun if you help them anticipate the vocabulary they will need. I have typically brought in plastic forks to demonstrate “tines.” It’s Valentine’s Day, not Valentime’s Day. This year, however, I’m trying something different. I’m going to associate the cue “tiny” with the syllable “tine”. Maybe the more familiar vocabulary word will be more easily retrieved.

Talk to your speech kids about what their classroom plans are. Remember that retrieval is largely determined by frequency of use and recency of use. They haven’t used words like “cupid” since last year. Practice the evasive words in meaningful sentences and conversation. Make sure they can retrieve the names of all their classmates!

Do they need cues for particular words? “Cute” and “stupid” are easy-to-retrieve cues for that chubby cherub Cupid. A large X on some coins (change) will help them find the word “exchange.” Remember to count the syllables and make them very explicit. Have the child say the word aloud 5 times, and make up a meaningful sentence using the word. Most of all, have fun!